US Patent 8260436 Implantable stimulation lead with fixation mechanism

An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes an integrated fixation mechanism that expands upon implantation of the lead to fix the lead relative to a target tissue site, such as tissue within the epidural region proximate the spine or the sacral foramen. The fixation mechanism may include one or more expandable wire-like elements, which may be configured in a substantial helical shape. The wire-like elements may be formed from an elastic or super-elastic material, and expand radially outward when a restraint mechanism is removed following implantation of the lead.